Sachin Tendukar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman will form the new Cricket Advisory Committee which has been newly formed by the BCCI on Monday to steer Indian cricket into the glorious future. Their focus, when they are officially formed will be to advise BCCI on the various progressive steps that the board could take for the betterment of the Indian cricket. A better picture will emerge once the BCCI gives a clearer picture of what are the roles and responsibilities of these legends of Indian cricket.

Future of Indian cricket in the hands of ‘Big 3’

There is an air of excitement amongst the Indian crickets and BCCI officials as the veterans of Indian cricket will be at the helm of change and will be able to appropriately guide the board on future endeavours. BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur on Sunday made a call to the ‘Big 3’ of Indian cricket before making the official announcement the next day.

It is also learned that Thakur also wanted Rahul Dravid as well as a part of the advisory committee however that could not happen due to temporary commitments. It is speculated that his role in the IPL as the team manager & coach may be the reason for this. It is also rumoured that Dravid may be in the running for becoming the Indian coach hence has not been included in this committee. There are reports coming in suggesting his role as the coach for the under-19 Indian cricket team.

Whatever, be the case, in the absence of Rahul Dravid, VSS Laxman was approached by the BCCI who gladly accepted the proposal. “It is a huge honour. This role gives me an opportunity to contribute something good to Indian Cricket”, said Laxman after the official announcement by BCCI.

Anurag Thakur said in a statement, “I thank Sachin, Sourav and Laxman for having accepted our invitation to be part of this prestigious committee and I am confident that their invaluable advice will help Indian cricket regain its leadership position in all formats”. He added about the players, “Their participation augurs well for the future of the game in our country and the noble intention to give back to the game is commendable”.

Apart from these greats, Anil Kumble’s name too popped up but he is working with the BCCI as head of technical committee which keeps his away from other roles in BCCI. Also, his busy schedule with Reliance IMG and his own company in Bangalore meant that he was not easily available.

Post retirement, Sachin Tendulkar has not been associated with the BCCI in any role. This made him the perfect candidate along with his vast and invaluable experience in cricket for over 20 years. He is considered to be the best player in the modern era of cricket with uncountable records to his name. He has kept his distance from the not only the sport but the limelight as well since his retirement. His only commitment has been to Nita Ambani’s Mumbai Indian team for IPL matches. He has refrained from endorsements and sponsorship roles as well. He has been very selective in the brands he endorses and would rather prefer to spend his time with his family and friends. He also gives time to improve the state of Indian football as he co-owns the franchise of Kerela Blasters of the Indian Super League.

Sourav Ganguly, who has been always popular for being the ‘prince of Calcutta’ and for his shrewd captaincy retired seven long years ago but has never stopped being associated with the sport. He has gone back to his home association of Bengal as a joint secretary of the state’s cricket association. He is also on the IPL governing council and has been in the speculations for being the top runner for the post of Indian coach. He has also tried his hand at commentary and as a quiz show host on a Bengali TV program. He was at one point of time also rumoured to join the BCCI high ranks to become president. However, his role in the advisory committee rules him out of any other role in the BCCI office.

VSS Laxman on the other hand has been roped in by the corporates for his motivational speeches. He too like Ganguly had a stint in commentary with different TV channels in India and abroad. Laxman realised on of his personal dreams just before the start of IPL-8 by starting his very own cricket academy, VVS Sports Academy. The year-long camp is scheduled to begin on the 1st of July.

The trio are expected to meet the president and the secretary of BCCI including many others in the next five to ten days and chalk out an effective action plan.

Tags: Advisory Committee, Anurag Thakur, BCCI, Cricket, Cricket Advisory Committee, India, Indian Cricket, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman